Wildwood Live

About

This museum is about the Wildwoods in the 1950s and 60s, when the island's motels, diners and neon signs created the look now called doo wop. It is run by the Doo Wop Preservation League, a nonprofit that works to save the area's mid-century buildings, and it sits across Ocean Avenue from the Convention Center.

Inside you will find an interactive wall on the island's motels, 1950s dinette sets, vintage lamps and clocks, and signs salvaged from Wildwood landmarks that are gone. Outside, the Neon Sign Garden holds restored signs from motels that were demolished or remodeled.

History

The building began as the Surfside restaurant in Wildwood Crest, which opened in 1960 and closed in 2002. The League saved its steel frame, rebuilt it at this site, and opened the museum in 2007. The League itself was founded in 1997.

When to go

The museum is closed in winter and reopens in spring. Hours change with the season and the posted schedules do not always agree, so call before you go.

In summer the League runs a neon trolley tour that leaves from the museum on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 8 p.m. It rides past the island's motels and neon signs with a guide. Reservations are suggested.

Check today's hours →

Good to know

Very young children ride the trolley tour free, but the League's site says both "under 2" and "2 and under", so confirm when booking. Tickets are sold through the League's website.

Price

• Neon trolley tour, adults$25

The museum itself is free, and donations are welcome.

Prices checked November 2026 on the website of the Doo Wop Preservation League. They can change, so check before you go.

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